Football
Ian Holyman, France correspondent 7y

France would have won Euro 2016 in Marseille - Patrice Evra

Patrice Evra has said France would be European champions if they had played Portugal in Marseille rather than Paris.

Evra was part of the France side beaten 1-0 in extra time by Portugal at the Stade de France in Paris' northern suburbs last July.

At his official presentation as a Marseille player on Thursday, Evra told media had the game taken place at the Stade Velodrome, he would have had a European Championship winner's medal.

"I like clubs with a great history. Each time I've played against OM or at the Velodrome with France, it made me dream. At the Stade de France, for the final of the Euros, people came to take selfies. You might as well play in a cathedral," the left-back said.

"If we'd played here against Portugal, we would have been champions of Europe. I wanted to experience that craziness."

The former Manchester United full-back is expected to make his debut for Marseille in Friday's Ligue 1 game with Montpellier after completing his move from Juventus earlier this week.

With a wealth of medals behind him, including five Premier League titles, two Serie A wins and a UEFA Champions League triumph, as well as the experience garnered from 81 international appearances for his country, Evra will also help ensure the club's future.

"I'm here to annoy the youngsters, and 'Uncle Pat' won't give them a moment's peace if they don't do the work," he said, adding he would work in tandem with captain Bafetimbi Gomis.

"I'm going to look after the health of the dressing room. I won't take anyone's place, there are already leaders in this squad.

"I'm here to give some Patrice Evra to everyone. If Patrice Evra leaves Juve for OM, it's a message."

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